Vikings may have to hold Peterson back

Running back recovering from knee surgery

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is progressing nicely in his recovery from major knee surgery, and the team knows it may have to rein in Peterson, who will be eager to do as much as possible in training camp.

Coach Leslie Frazier, who is on a USO tour in the Persian Gulf this week, said Tuesday Peterson is "right on course" in his recovery and anticipates Peterson will want to be on the field when training camp begins July 27.

However, he said the team will listen to doctors and trainers when it comes to a timetable for his practice activities.

"He's so valuable to our organization that we have to be smart," Frazier told USA Today. "We'll tread lightly as far as Week 1 and how much he'll contribute on the field. Even when we get to training camp, he's going to be champing at the bit, but we'll have to be smart."

Minnesota signed Peterson to a seven-year, $96 million contract three months before he tore his anterior-cruciate ligament.

The Vikings may rely on Toby Gerhart rather than rush Peterson back onto the field.